What safely helps constipation or diarrhea during flares?

During constipation-predominant flares, the safest starting points are steady hydration and a gentle stool-softening approach so you’re not straining. Many patients do well with a soluble fiber such as psyllium or an osmotic laxative like polyethylene glycol to support more comfortable, regular stools. If bowel movements feel “blocked,” incomplete, or difficult to pass even when stool isn’t hard, that pattern can also fit pelvic floor involvement, which our team can help evaluate.

During diarrhea-predominant flares, a short course of loperamide may reduce urgency, and oral rehydration can help replace fluids and electrolytes. What matters most is the pattern: sudden severe symptoms, blood in the stool, black/tarry stools, fever, or ongoing weight loss deserve prompt evaluation rather than repeated self-treatment. If GI flares are recurring alongside pelvic pain, painful periods, or pain with bowel movements, reach out to schedule a consultation so we can look for the drivers and build a plan that’s safe for your body.